[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 165 (Monday, December 3, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12309-S12310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        THE GREATEST GENERATION

  Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I rise today to honor members of ``the 
greatest generation''--those men and women who were at Pearl Harbor on 
the infamous day of December 7, 1941. Those who followed coined this 
nickname we all widely recognize, for the men and women who fought in 
the Second World War did not think they were committing acts of 
heroism, they only believed they were doing what was right by serving 
our Nation.
  The generation of men and women, who survived the Second World War, 
epitomize the characteristics we all, as Americans, hold in such high 
esteem. As children of the Depression, these men and women grew up 
knowing the meaning of sacrifice. And during the war, they readily went 
without luxuries, ready to give up whatever it took to help in the war 
effort. These men and women are also some of the bravest that our 
Nation has ever seen. For they gave more than just material goods to 
the war effort: they offered their husbands, their sons, their 
brothers, their fathers, and themselves. Without hesitation they 
enlisted to help our Nation fight the good fight, to rid the world from 
cruel and aggressive tyrants, and to secure the freedom and liberty on 
which our Nation was founded.
  It was 60 years ago that these men and women unselfishly risked their 
lives to begin the defense of our country and to fight for freedom in 
the world. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 gave Americans a 
glimpse into the tragedy that the men and women of Pearl Harbor 
survived. Now, more than ever, our entire country appreciates the 
heroism and leadership embodied by the men and women who served in the 
Pacific. The courage they displayed is now a more tangible concept for 
us all, as we can now more fully realize the rarity of their instinct 
to charge forward and fight in the face of danger. We can only believe 
that the actions displayed by these members of ``the greatest 
generation'' laid the foundation for the heroism and leadership we are 
seeing in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
  An important part of honoring the men and women of Pearl Harbor is 
preserving the stories of their experiences. We must record the 
experiences of those who survived the attack as well as preserve the 
stories of those 2,403 men and women who did not live to tell of their 
encounters on December 7, 1941. I commend the National Museum of the 
Pacific War in Fredericksburg, TX, for its continuing devotion to 
educating current and future generations of Americans on the grim 
realities of war. It is the only museum in the world dedicated to 
telling the entire story of the conflict in the Pacific during World 
War II. Not only does this museum tell the complete story, it also 
provides a thorough understanding of the causes, sacrifices, and 
resolutions of World War II in the Pacific. The men and women of this 
museum continue to keep the story of the attack on Pearl Harbor alive. 
It is truly a National treasure with an outstanding collection of 
artifacts from the Pacific War.
  While there are many ceremonies and events to commemorate this 60th 
anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, this one, in Fredericksburg, 
TX, stands out for several reasons. To begin, this commemoration 
ceremony is one of only two National events being staged by the Pearl 
Harbor Survivors Association. And of the two, it is the only one open 
to the public to join in the observance of this milestone anniversary. 
This ceremony is particularly special because of the guests in 
attendance. The museum will host more than 300 survivors of the Pearl 
Harbor attack, and their families, who have traveled from their homes 
throughout the United States to be here today. The location of this 
ceremony is also of important note: Fredericksburg, TX, is the 
birthplace of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who was Commander-in-Chief 
Pacific during World War II. The location of the National Museum of the 
Pacific War, previously known as the Admiral Nimitz Museum, was chosen 
to pay tribute to this great man.

[[Page S12310]]

  Texas is honored to have as the keynote speaker former President 
George Bush. As the youngest pilot to fly in the Navy during World War 
II, Lieutenant Junior Grade George Bush flew TBM Avengers in combat off 
the aircraft carrier U.S.S. San Jacinto.
  Sunday, December 7, 1941 will forever live as an infamous day in our 
Nation's history. But the response of the men and women we will honor 
on December 7, 2001 to the surprise attack will also forever be 
ingrained in the memory of America. Their bravery and heroism in the 
face of mortal danger, and their continuous determination to fight for 
the existence of freedom in the world shaped our Nation and, indeed, 
the world. To the men and women of Pearl Harbor we can only say thank 
you. Thank you for preserving the tenants on which this country was 
founded, thank you for risking your lives so that those who lived after 
you could enjoy the same freedom and democracy that you knew, and thank 
you for being at this commemorative ceremony so that we may show you 
our appreciation and admiration.

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